CHURCHES AROUND GOREME

APPLE (ELMALI) CHURCH :

This is one of the smallest and the most recent churches of the
area. It was built in the 11th century. It is cross shaped in
the ground plan.

The church was carved into the rock with a dome ceiling and pillars.
Four columns support this dome. There are some frescoes remained
to current time. These wall paintings represent the raising of
the Lazarus, the last supper, the crucifixion, angels and some
other holly figures.

CONVENT :

The convent was located across the monastery. The first floor
was used as a cellar, kitchen and living area. The church was
on the third floor. The rest of the convent was used as refuge.
It was known to be carved into the rock, during the 11th century.

DARK (KARANLIK) CHURCH :

This was built in the 11th century in the form of a monastery.
It is accepted as one of the best examples of Byzantine art of
that century. The art of the church was commissioned to a professional
artist by four benefactors who were portrayed in the frescoes.
The small opening looking out on the narthex is the only source
of light into the church. This helped to keep the frescoes in
good shape throughout the ages. It is considered to be the best
preserved environment in the area reflecting the 11th century
Byzantian art.

The frescoes reflect scenes from the New Testament. The most spectacular
ones are : Christ Almighty on the main dome, the baptism, the
last supper, the crucifixion, the Christ's betrayal and some Saints
and Evangelists.

SNAKE (YILANLI) CHURCH :

It was built into the rocks in the 11th century. It has a low
ceiling and long nave. As you enter you see a picture of Christ
and the founder of the church. There are frescoes on the other
walls, showing St.Basil, St.Thomas and St.Onouphrios. On the other
wall St.Theodore is shown struggling with a snake.

The pictures of emperor Constantine and his mother are also shown
supporting the cross with their hands.

THE CHURCH OF ST.BARBARA :

This 11th century church has
two columns supporting the ceiling and it is carved into the rock.
Its frescoes show St.George and St.Theodore.

CHURCH WITH A SHIELD :

This 11th century church is the
biggest carved-rock church in Cappadocia. It is on the main road
to Avcilar, to the right. It is accessed after a long vestibule
to the west.

There used to be a shield hanging on the ceiling long time ago.
This does not exist anymore but the place where it was connected
to the ceiling is still visible. At the eastern end of the nave
which is connected to the vestibule there are four arched columns
supporting the structure. There is an elevated corridor behind
this nave.

The church with a shield is one of the most noticeable churches
in the region with its size and spectacular frescoes.